AircoveOS v5.3: Redesigned for you, engineered for peace of mind

ExpressVPN news 4 mins
Aircove router surrounded by rings.

A fast, secure, and reliable internet connection is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. The average number of connected devices per U.S. household reached 17 in 2023 and it’s likely even higher now. This means your router is doing more than ever before and requires greater efficiency—all amid growing needs for privacy protection. 

That’s why our latest AircoveOS 5.3 update isn’t just about a fresh coat of paint. It’s about strengthening the core to make Aircove and Aircove Go more stable and even easier to use. Whether you’re streaming, managing multiple devices, or setting up your router for the first time (watch our setup video), you’ll spend less time troubleshooting and more time enjoying the internet safely.

Under-the-hood upgrades for a smoother experience

We’ve made significant system-level improvements to make Aircove more stable and reliable—especially for Wi-Fi and streaming. While the technical details are complex, the short version is this:

  • Updated key system components, including Linux kernel and Wi-Fi drivers. This has reduced dropped connections and improved overall stability.
  • Non-VPN traffic now runs faster and more efficiently. If bandwidth-heavy activities weren’t smooth before, you’ll now enjoy better streaming quality and download speeds.
  • Improved internal hardware component management. The Aircove system runs more smoothly with better performance.
  • On the VPN’s side, an important fix prevents rare issues with long-running connections. So stay connected, even when server upgrade is underway.

You might not see these changes, but you’ll feel them in the form of a faster, more reliable experience—day in, day out.

See the full release notes for Aircove.

A more intuitive dashboard experience

Faster device group setup

Now you can set a VPN location when creating a device group—no extra steps needed. Adjust your advanced protection settings, add a server location, and connect instantly, all in one go. 

Less scrolling, more control

We’ve optimized the layout so you can now see all five device groups at a glance on most screens—no more horizontal scrolling.

Before:

After:

Easier device management on mobile

Moving devices between groups just got simpler. Alongside improved drag-and-drop, we’ve added a dropdown option to make this task a breeze—especially on smartphones and tablets.

Subtle animations, smoother transitions

Connecting or disconnecting from the VPN now triggers a subtle sunburst animation—adding a touch of flair to your safety.

Smarter setup with welcome tips

Routers can be intimidating, but they don’t have to be. First-time users will now see gentle, helpful tips guiding them through setup, from connecting to Wi-Fi to organizing their devices.

Unless you’ve turned auto-update off, your Aircove will update automatically every day at 4 a.m. local time, and all the above features will be available. We recommend keeping it enabled on your router to get the latest functionality and security upgrades.

What’s next?

We’re not standing still. Our team is already working on the next wave of improvements to make Aircove even more powerful and easy to use.

Coming soon: enhancements to Wi-Fi Link, parental controls, and more—giving you more control, flexibility, and peace of mind at home.

It’s your turn—we want to hear from you!

If you have any feedback on the changes, please fill out this form or contact our Support Team.

Prefer to be part of the action? Join our beta program and send us early feedback.

Why Aircove stands out

Most routers are built to prioritize speed and signal coverage—but they often leave security and privacy as an afterthought. Aircove is different. It’s the first and only Wi-Fi 6 router with ExpressVPN protection built in, designed from the ground up to give you fast, private, and secure internet for every device in your home.

Unlike traditional routers that require complex manual configuration to use a VPN, Aircove comes preloaded with AircoveOS, so there’s no complicated setup or manual configuration. That means you’re protected from day one—whether you’re browsing on your phone, gaming on a console, or streaming on a smart TV.

Key security features baked into Aircove

  • Ultra-fast protocol: The Lightway protocol is engineered to deliver excellent speeds.
  • Advanced Protection: Block malicious sites, trackers, and unwanted ads network-wide.
  • Built-in VPN: Protect all connected devices automatically—no app installation needed.
  • Auto-updates: Security patches and feature upgrades delivered directly, without hassle.

I found the Aircove’s setup to be the easiest I’ve ever encountered after several decades of using routers from industry leaders. It was literally a 5-minute process.

An even bigger convenience factor is that the expressVPN software running on the router eliminates the frequent task of downloading and installing expressVPN updates to stay-at-home devices.

–Steven W. Albrecht, via Amazon reviews

With Aircove, you’re not just buying a router—you’re investing in a safer, smarter, and more private internet experience for your whole family.

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David Gilbert is a Staff Product Manager at ExpressVPN, leading the development of Aircove, the VPN industry’s first dedicated hardware product. With over 20 years of experience building consumer software and hardware products, he has worked with both startups and large companies around the world. David first joined ExpressVPN in 2013, where he played a key role in shaping the company’s product experience, pioneering its intuitive apps for iOS, Android, and Chrome.